Blog

Since the origin of widespread social media, it has united users with a new era of social activism and a craving for social justice. Every day, news stories surface, calling attention to various platforms that have become an online haven to share gross violations of human rights and political and social chaos in a demand for justice. These exposing posts result in users uniting for an act of change.

Previously we learned about Snapchat, an app designed for users to share pictures and messages that are only available for a short period before they become inaccessible to their recipients. More specifically, we dove into the world of Snapchat accessories otherwise recognized as Snapkits. The anonymous question and answer platform, coined YOLO (You only live once), can be accessed within a download and three clicks, allowing users enter a new kind of network where identity is fluid.

Since it first topped the charts back in 2011, Snapchat has been the gateway app for teens entering the world of social media. In this two-part series we'll be diving into this multimedia messaging app’s accessories. Snapchat is designed for users to share pictures and messages that are only available for a short period before they become inaccessible to their recipients. As it’s users have evolved over time, so has Snapchat. The creation of Bitmoji, otherwise known as your personal emoji, has paved the way for several app accessories. These use Snapchat as a foundation for extensions such as dating and anonymous question and answer platforms notoriously recognized as Snap kits.

With schools coming to an end, this summer isn’t going to be the drastic transition from school to home that it normally is. That happened back in March when we got the news with a moment's notice that students would not be permitted to return to their classrooms. Instead, the only change we will be seeing over the next few weeks is our children losing a source of regular daily activities and lesson plans designed to keep them engaged while social distancing at home.

But not all hope is lost. In the midst of all of these new challenges, hundreds of organizations throughout the community are stepping up to provide whatever resources they can to families during these uncertain times.

Known as the Facetime of the gaming world, Discord is a platform growing to popularity in the homes of gamers everywhere. So what exactly is this communication tool enjoyed by children and young adults alike? Discord was designed to be the solution to a problem many players of beloved PC games face - connecting others playing the same game. As more and more users join the online community, it has become a hub for various subcultures throughout the internet and a stomping ground for predator behavior.

Let’s face it, with the COVID-19 restrictions we have all found comfort in our devices to connect ourselves with the people we miss most, to conduct business and schoolwork, and to escape from our realities and responsibilities through insurmountable hours of video or television streaming services.

Despite the fact that most of our eyes are likely glued behind screens for the majority of the day and into our evenings, it is our hope that we can still work towards reframing the way we are looking at and responding to these devices in a healthy manner.

During this time of social isolation, our need to fill our days with activity has led to increased reliance on our electronic devices. People are longing to stay in contact with the outside world to maintain a sense of normality and belonging in this unexpected time of social isolation. Not surprisingly, with users aiming to “go viral”, TikTok is the latest social media app soaring to the top of the charts.

Anxiety is a feeling recognized by all and welcomed by none. Today, social media anxiety seems to be weighing heavily on us all, but especially our children, as we are called to do more behind our devices.

With the declaration of social isolation during these times of uncertainty, our lives continue moving forward despite the fact that many of us are subjected to our homes. Thanks to the evolution of technology, the digital age has better prepared us to carry on with work and school irregardless of what is happening on the outside.

As more schools and companies turn to social separation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, various systems are being used to maintain our “regular” lifestyles, from the work environment, to school settings, and even social interaction with friends and family.